The Best Beers for BBQ: Our Top Picks
Barbecue is smoke, char and sticky sauce, so you want beers that either refresh between bites or match that smoke head on. These four cover the spread of a cookout, from the first can to the last rack of ribs.
| Beer | Style | Our rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Nevada Pale Ale | American Pale Ale | 4.3/5 | Cutting through smoke |
| New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale | Amber Ale | 4.1/5 | An easy all-rounder |
| Modelo Especial | Mexican Lager | 4.0/5 | A crisp, cold session |
| Bell’s Two Hearted Ale | American IPA | 4.8/5 | Bold, hoppy contrast |
Barbecue is smoke, fat and sweetness all at once. You want a beer that either refreshes or matches the intensity, nothing in between.
The Best Beers for BBQ, Reviewed
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
The all-day cookout beer. Enough hop to cut through fatty, saucy meat and refreshing enough to drink in the sun. Read the full Sierra Nevada Pale Ale review.
- Bright Cascade pine and citrus
- The benchmark pale ale
- Very versatile
- Hop bite is a lot for some
- Not sweet
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale
Its toasty malt is a natural echo of the char off the grill and everyone will happily drink it. Read the full New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale review.
- Biscuit malt with light hops
- Nicely balanced
- Easy craft option
- Middle of the road
- Less exciting than it once was
Modelo Especial
When it is hot and you just want something crisp and cold between racks of ribs, this is the one. Read the full Modelo Especial review.
- Crisp and clean
- Cuts through chilli heat
- Cheap and everywhere
- Light body
- Not for bold-flavour fans
Bell’s Two Hearted Ale
For the serious barbecue, this balanced IPA has the citrus punch to stand up to a heavy dry rub or a spicy sauce. Read the full Bell’s Two Hearted Ale review.
- Big Centennial citrus hops
- Smooth for its strength
- One of the top-rated IPAs
- Too hoppy for lager fans
- 7% ABV sneaks up on you
The kit that sets up the whole cookout
One case, everything you need. A full grill set means you are not hunting for tongs halfway through cooking for a crowd.
BBQ and Beer: FAQs
What is the best beer for a BBQ?
A pale ale is the versatile pick. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale cuts the smoke and fat, while a crisp Modelo Especial is the easy cold one for a hot day.
What beer goes with barbecue chicken?
A crisp lager or a light amber. We go deeper in our beer can chicken guide.
Related pairings: beer for beer can chicken, beer for pulled pork, beer with fried chicken.
